A Passion for Flight

An Interview with Nick and Sasha Buxeda

Aviation has a magical way of capturing hearts and turning dreams into reality. For Nick and Sasha Buxeda from New Zealand, this passion for flight, combined with their engineering expertise and entrepreneurial drive, led them to an exciting partnership with Ellipse Aero.

In this interview, they share their journey into aviation, what makes Ellipse Aero aircraft so unique, and their vision for the future of light aviation.

Meet Nick and Sasha Buxeda

Nick and Sasha are the directors of several businesses, primarily focused on farming (poultry and beef) and property. But their love for aviation has opened a thrilling new chapter in their lives—becoming dealers for Ellipse Aero.

The Journey into Aviation

What’s your personal story? How did you get into aviation?

Nick: My fascination with aviation began at a young age. However, wearing glasses by the age of 10 dashed my dreams of flying passengers commercially. So, I turned to my other passion: engineering. Still, I never stopped looking to the skies. At 60, I decided it was time to take the leap finally.

About four years ago, Sasha and I bought an Alpi 200, and we absolutely loved it. We flew all over New Zealand—from remote airfields to offshore islands and larger airports. It was an incredible experience.

Why Ellipse Aero?

What made you decide to become a dealer for Ellipse Aero?

Nick: Realizing I had a late start to flying, Sasha and I wanted a newer, more advanced aircraft. It had to be carbon fiber for its lightweight strength, corrosion resistance, and ability to create complex aerodynamic shapes.

After extensive research during COVID, the Ellipse aircraft stood out as the perfect choice. It ticked all the boxes:

• Fast, sleek, and lightweight
• Safe with high wing loading (perfect for handling turbulence)
• Robust undercarriage for farm airfields
• Spacious cockpit and a ballistic parachute (a must for us)
• Working with Ellipse Aero

How long have you been working with Ellipse Aero, and how’s the collaboration been so far?

Nick: We travelled to the Czech Republic, where we met Martin and Jana Nemec. They welcomed us warmly and gave us a tour of their factory. The next day, I was taken for a flight, and we were thoroughly impressed by the aircraft’s performance and the high manufacturing standards.

The plane was fast, agile, and surprisingly comfortable—even for someone like me, standing at 1.82m tall.

Back in New Zealand, we eagerly awaited the arrival of our plane. It came equipped with:

• A Rotax 914 engine (perfect for club flying in New Zealand)
• A retractable undercarriage
• A constant-speed hydraulic propeller for shorter take-offs
• Twin Kanardia screens

The aircraft arrived in March 2024 and quickly obtained its airworthiness certificate. Since then, we’ve been enjoying every moment with it.

What Makes Ellipse Aero Special?

What do you enjoy most about working with Ellipse Aero?

Nick: Ellipse Aero has been fantastic to work with. We have a WhatsApp group that includes Martin and the design engineer, so any questions or comments are addressed quickly.

The aircraft delivers on all its promises:

• Comfortable and agile
• Fast and economical
• Handles turbulence exceptionally well
• The “T” tail design makes landings a breeze
• Experiences with Ellipse Aero Products

Have you personally flown any Ellipse Aero aircraft? What was it like?

Nick: Yes, and we absolutely love it. The aircraft is fast, sleek, and incredibly comfortable, with superb handling characteristics.

Which model is your favorite, and why?

Nick: Without a doubt, the Ellipse Spirit. It’s a modern ultralight with outstanding performance and fuel efficiency.

The New Zealand Market

What’s the light aircraft market like in New Zealand?

Nick: The New Zealand market is relatively small, with a population of just over 5 million. However, we have a high percentage of passionate pilots.

Our stunning landscape—featuring offshore islands, fjords, mountains, and plains—makes flying an unforgettable experience.

What are the most common requests from customers?

Nick: There’s a strong demand for fixed-gear aircraft due to their ruggedness and ease of operation. The Rotax 915 engine is also shaping up to be a popular choice.

The Future of Aviation

Where do you see aviation heading?

Nick: Recreational aviation is increasingly shifting toward ultralight and microlight aircraft. These planes now offer better performance, climb rates, and fuel efficiency compared to older legacy models.

We anticipate that weight limits will eventually increase in New Zealand, as higher horsepower and improved specifications naturally add weight.

Any new products or innovations from Ellipse Aero that you’re excited about?

Nick: Ellipse Aero is closely monitoring the USA’s MOSAIC rules, and we’re eager to see their response. Will there be a new model or a redesign of the Spirit? Only time will tell!

Final Thoughts

What would you say to potential customers considering an Ellipse Aero aircraft?

Nick: If you’re looking for a state-of-the-art, well-priced aircraft that stands out from the crowd, the Ellipse Spirit is the perfect choice.

How can interested people reach out to you?

Nick: Both Sasha and I are easy to find in New Zealand. We welcome inquiries from anyone interested in learning more about Ellipse Aero aircraft!

Thank You!

We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Nick and Sasha Buxeda for sharing their time and story with us. Their journey is truly inspiring, and we’re confident their partnership with Ellipse Aero will bring immense satisfaction to them and their customers.

Here’s to their continued success on this exciting aviation adventure!